Project centered professional development: Teacher learning and instructional change in an early childhood center

This case study examined teacher collaboration and teacher change while in the process of developing a consistent writing approach for kindergarten students. The study describes the journey of eleven kindergarten teachers as they identified the components necessary for teaching writing in an active early childhood environment. The study systematically explored how sustained job-imbedded professional development offered teachers the resources and support to meet together during the school day to engage in dialogue about kindergarten writing. The study focused on collaboration as a method for learning together in an adult learning environment.; The research was qualitative with the school principal as both researcher and participant observer of the study. Data instruments used for the participants involved in this study were semi-structured interviews, observations of meetings, teachers' reflective journals, and field notes. The staff developer of the study was a teacher from the same school as the participants.; Findings indicated that teachers were initially socialized into isolated learning. Professional development with a clear and succinct purpose offered the teachers the opportunity to work closer with colleagues as they collaborated on the best writing approaches for kindergarten children.; Implications for practice included the inclusion of the school principal in staff development with teachers. The principal's participation is not only to offer support but also to exhibit that learning together as a community further promotes student achievement and targets specific teaching goals. Additionally, creating and sustaining a collegial atmosphere enhanced the environment of learning together.; Limitations of this study included the specialty of the school as an early childhood center and the role of the principal as the researcher. Recommendations for future research include a study of peer observations and their implications for collaboration.